DIVERS raised more than �2,500 for Sport Relief on Saturday by cycling 24 miles... underwater.

Twenty-four people took the plunge at Gildenburgh Water, near Whittlesey, to complete the challenge.

The group of fundraisers all pedalled an underwater mile, racking up a staggering �2,801 for Sport Relief.

Event organiser Dan Hodkin, from Mid Herts Divers in Welwyn Garden City, said: “At least twenty four miles were cycled. To put that into context that’s about the distance of the English Channel.

“We raised an amazing amount of money and just as importantly everyone had a brilliant time achieving it.”

Divers from various clubs joined the 14 members of Mid Herts Divers who travelled to Fenland for Saturday’s challenge.

The fundraisers jumped into the water in pairs, before descending six metres to exercise bikes secured on platforms below.

The bikes will be kept at the site for future use.

“We hope that they bring a lot of enjoyment to divers for many years to come,” said Mr Hodkin, who is already brainstorming ideas for Sport Relief 2014.

“It’s going to be really hard to top this event in a couple of year’s time.”

For more information on Mid Herts Divers visit www.midhertsdivers.com